Can one give candy to non-Jewish kids when their holiday falls on Friday night?
Although Halloween today is primarily viewed as a secular, non-religious holiday, it is rooted in Avoda Zara, with its pagan aspects still clearly recognizable. Its customs, which don’t have rational explanations, also involve the prohibitions of Darkei Emori and Chukos Hagoyim.
Yet, if not giving candy to those requesting may lead to resentment (eiva), there may be room to permit giving candy to preserve darkei shalom.
What about on Shabbos? Although it’s rabbinically prohibited to trouble oneself on Shabbos to feed animals for which one isn’t responsible, one may generally provide food for non-Jews. Since it is mandated by darkei shalom, it’s considered the Jew’s responsibility.
One may not tell the non-Jew to take the food outside, but one may put the food down, knowing that the non-Jew will carry it outside for his own benefit.
Some prohibit placing it in the non-Jew’s hand, since you are beginning the act of carrying, which begins with the akirah (lifting) in the reshus hayachid. While the Mishna Berura is lenient, the Alter Rebbe cautions against it. Yet, if the non-Jew takes it from the Jew’s hand, it is permissible, since in this case, it is the non-Jew who is doing the act.
If it’s too much food to be finished in one sitting, people may think the non-Jew was told to carry it out (maris ayin).
But with a small amount that can be eaten on the spot, it is allowed even if the non-Jew will definitely take it outside, since people will assume that is was choice.
If one is compelled to give candy, it is advised to put out a basket of candy in a place where the non-Jewish children can take from and potentially eat it there.
RABBI CHAIM HILLEL RASKIN ROV OF ANASH - PETACH TIKVA
